KARACHI – Pakistan Single Window (PSW) arranged a stakeholder’s workshop on Port Community System in Karachi. The workshop was titled “Development of Port Community System – Bridging Legal Gaps.”
A Port Community System (PCS) is a neutral and open electronic platform that enables intelligent and secure exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in order to improve the competitive position of the seaport communities and optimizes, manages and automates port and logistics processes by connecting transportation and logistics chains.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Pakistan Customs, Port authorities, FIA Immigration, Mercantile Marine Department, Port Health Establishment, Shipping Agents Associations, freight forwarders and representatives from the port and logistics sector. The participants discussed various Statutes, Acts, laws, rules and procedure pertaining to PCS regulators to enable electronic filing through PCS. Certificates of Participation were distributed after the workshop.
While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Director General Ports and Shipping, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Syedain Raza Zaidi appreciated the initiative for connecting all stakeholders engaged in international freight forwarding, customs clearance, cargo and vessel management on a single digital platform. “The PCS will not only bring much needed efficiency in the overall port services but will also provide greater transparency, and visibility to all actors involved”.
PCS implementation will eliminate paper-based processes, remove information and procedural redundancies, improve cargo management, enhance inter-agency coordination, reduce port congestion and save additional time and costs to the trader.
In a statement issued on the occasion, CEO PSW Syed Aftab Haider said that the design for PCS had been completed and the PSW was now finalizing the development and implementation strategy. “The PCS is a good candidate for public-private sector collaboration as in addition to B2G regulatory services, it also offers B2B services and going forward shall provide a platform for various value added services related to transportation and warehousing. We are currently looking for the optimal model for development that helps us roll out the system in a timely manner” ,” he added.
The design phase of the PCS for integration of various regulatory processes & procedures related to vessel and cargo clearance, payments of fees and other dues etc. have been completed with technical and functional architecture design. During the session, the participants were briefed on design of PCS. Similarly, a roadmap for development of PCS was also shared.
Single submission of data is a fundamental principle of the PCS identical to the Pakistan Single Window and is, therefore, a core component of the PSW system under the provisions of the Pakistan Single Window Act, 2021. The PCS is being developed with assistance from international development partners and will be first implemented at Port Muhammed bin Qasim, Karachi and Gawadar ports followed by specialized port community systems linking Pakistan’s international airports, dry ports, and land border crossings.
